Track cyclist Emma Finucane has become one of Wales' most celebrated athletes, following her extraordinary achievements over the past two years. The 21-year-old from Carmarthen has garnered immense recognition, highlighted recently by her consecutive win as BBC Cymru Wales Sports Personality of the Year, making history not only for her performance but also for her significant impact on the sport.
Finucane's rise to prominence has been nothing short of remarkable. At the 2022 Commonwealth Games, she secured bronze medals in both the team and individual sprint events, marking her entry onto the international cycling scene. Fast forward to 2024, where at her first Olympic Games held in Paris, she became the first British woman to win three medals at one Olympics since Mary Rand did so at Tokyo 1964. Her achievements at the Paris 2024 Olympics include gold as part of Team GB's team sprint trio, alongside Katy Marchant and Sophie Capewell, and bronzes in the individual sprint and keirin events, with her team sprint performance breaking the world record.
Reflecting on her Olympic success, Finucane expressed joy and disbelief, stating, "To come away with three medals is more than I could have dreamed of". The pride of representing her country was complemented by the realization of her capabilities as she navigated the intense competition at her first Olympic event. "The Olympics was the best week of my life; honestly, it was challenging, I challenged myself mentally and physically - it was the hardest thing I've ever had to do - but to come away with a gold and two bronzes, I couldn't have done anything more," she stated, capturing the mixture of pressure and pride she experienced.
Born just across the road from Carmarthen Velodrome, where her cycling passion ignited as a child, Finucane's early days remind her of how far she has come. She reminisced, "I would go round and round the track on my little pink bike with tassels on it. That was it – I was hooked.” This deep-rooted love for cycling fueled her ambitions and motivated her to excel at competitions from the age of ten.
Under British Cycling's guidance, her career swiftly accelerated. By 2022, Finucane had emerged as the European Junior Champion. Her dedication to training intensified as she began to juggle her academics and athletic career, eventually leading to her European and world title wins shortly thereafter.
Fans and aspiring cyclists have much to credit Finucane for, as she aims to inspire the next generation of riders, stating, "I want to inspire people to get out there and bike – it’s a healthy way of life". Her ambitions don't just exhibit personal goals but also encompass the nurturing of younger athletes through initiatives at Towy Riders, the same club where she began. With the increasing recognition of Carmarthen as a cycling hub—fueled partially by her successes and the opening of new cycling paths—she remains hopeful for the future.
Finucane's rigorous training regime is instrumental to her success. She trains rigorously at the velodrome, dedicates hours to gym workouts, and follows strict nutritional guidelines. "I’ll be in the gym between 9am and 11.30am and then on the bike at the track between 2pm and 5pm three or four days a week," she detailed, managing to balance discipline with some relaxation. This discipline allows her to focus not just on winning medals but on becoming the best British female sprinter ever, setting her eyes on the next Olympics, where she hopes to secure gold medals at the 2028 Los Angeles games.
The 2023 season not only solidified her place at the Olympic podium but also saw her claim multiple titles at various championships, reinforcing her talent and preparation. She believes consistency is key, with her recent medals adding to her extensive haul. Even as she enjoys the accolades, Finucane remains focused on setting new records and achieving national prominence.
Her achievements extend beyond the podium; she utilizes her platform to empower children and young athletes to engage with cycling. Recognizing her role as both competitor and mentor, she hopes to encourage more youth participation: "I want people to watch us and get on their bikes," she said with clear passion.
Finucane's dedication and passion for cycling have not only inspired her but also transformed her community's engagement with sports. Her success has been recognized by several prestigious awards, but she remains grounded. "I’m just privileged to win this award, thank you," she said after her second win as Sports Personality of the Year.
At just 21, Emma Finucane exemplifies the drive and determination of athletes who change the narrative of sports, affirming her status as one of the brightest stars in cycling. The future holds great promise, and as she cycles toward her next objectives, many will be watching to see what she accomplishes next.
